Take your mind back, to, say, 2016. Ronaldo and Rooney at Real Madrid and Manchester United respectively – enjoying success and two of the biggest names in world football.
Now fast forward to 2026. We may well be looking at Ronaldo and Rooney at Madrid and United once again – but, this time, it’s Ronaldo Jr and Rooney Jr.
News broke on Wednesday evening that Cristiano Ronaldo‘s eldest son – also named Cristiano Ronaldo – is said to have trained with Real’s Under 16 side on Tuesday ahead of a potential move in the future.
Ronaldo Jr, 15, is currently on the academy books of Saudi side Al-Nassr – where his father plays for the first-team. The 15-year-old is a forward, like his iconic father, and can play on either flank or through the middle.
There is undoubted pressure on his shoulders. Being the son of one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game will bring that. But Ronaldo Jr plays with a smile on his face. The goals help, to be fair.
He’s made a habit of following his father. Before 2022, he was playing in Juventus‘ academy, and then moved to Manchester United. Now, he’s in Saudi, and a move to Madrid, where Ronaldo Sr had most of his success, seemingly isn’t too far away.
Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai (second right), is enjoying success in Manchester United’s academy
Cristiano Ronaldo Jr (left), meanwhile plays for Al-Nassr’s youth setup, while his father (centre) plays for the first team
As for Kai Rooney, it’s only ever been United. You can skip Everton. No need to announce yourself when your surname is Rooney.
The 16-year-old forward, who finishes school in the summer, has been in United’s academy since 2020 and the club have been impressed by his progress.
It is likely a scholarship will be offered to the youngster in the summer or on the eve of the new season, with a £50,000 a year deal in the pipeline, according to The Sun.
The Rooneys – Kai’s parents Wayne and Colleen – are regulars at their son’s games. Earlier this year, Kai played in his first match at Old Trafford in an FA Youth Cup tie, and the couple were there, flanked by the likes of first team manager Michael Carrick, whose son, Jacey, is also a highly-rated youngster at United.
And back in July, Carrick and Rooney flew to Northern Ireland to see Kai and Jacey competing in the Budget Energy Super Cup NI at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
‘I’m trying to make a name for myself, not try and be my dad because I’m my own person,’ Kai said back in August 2024. ‘I want to see how my…